This paper aims to examine convergence of income inequality in 21 OECD countries using several empirical techniques. In particular, we have used a new panel stationarity test, which allows for structural changes and cross-sectional dependence to examine the stochastic convergence of income inequality. We also employed a time series approach, residual augmented least squares-Lagrange multiplier unit root test. The empirical results show evidence for absolute, conditional, and sigma convergence. The conditional convergence test results suggest that countries are converging, but conditional on the two structural factors-economic and population growth. The stochastic convergence test results indicate the existence of convergence at the country-specific level. The results further confirm the existence of convergent clubs among OECD countries.
Working from home (WFH) has had both positive and negative impacts on the work conduct. To maximise the benefits of homeworking, previous literature mainly focuses on creating self-help strategies for homeworkers to reduce work stress and maintain work engagement. However, fewer studies take on the policymaker perspective and evaluate optimal working conditions in the homeworking context. Using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study evaluates the effects of various work characteristics (job demands and resources) on the stress and engagement of infrequent and frequent homeworkers. Using the sixth European Working Conditions Survey 2015 which contains 5090 participants from 34 European countries, we studied 6 job demands and 5 job resources via Exploratory Factor Analysis. After testing the model's fitness using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, multiple mixed-effects models were used to test the job demands and resource effects on worker stress and engagement. Dominance Analysis was then used to identify the relative importance of each job demand and resource when explaining employee stress and engagement. We found emotional demands, time pressure, and workload to be the top three demand factors that cause work stress across the groups. Other than daily homeworkers, a positive and fair social climate is the most prominent resource able to boost job engagement across all of the other groups. By identifying the homeworkers' most influential demands and resources, this study will help managers better understand the steps to take to provide healthy job conditions for homeworkers.